I was at the meeting yesterday at PMRI and recognized some of you

but I am so shy, I did not want to say anything - I know I recognized Elisa I think it is and Niki ? and a couple of the men. I sat in the back and really left once it was over cause I don't know anyone. I also don't know that I quite fit in because I want to get the lap band (for reasons I won't go into here) and everyone there seems to be a bypass person and I did not want to interrupt. My name is Tracey though. I am only slightly thinking of getting the lap band. I have my first appt. with Irgau this week and also work at Christiana Hospital. I know him well. What might stop me is the fact that I was recently put on medication for ADD and it is a stimulant and has tremendously helped me and my scattered, disorganized self, but it has also remove any urge for food - I say let's have a on that note! My doctor did say I would need to be on it long-term, so I am thinking about what to do. If I can get my losses going again, I am going to opt out of any surgery. I lost 85 pounds 2 years ago and kept it off for almost a year. This time every pound I lose is being put to permanently. Anyway, just wanted to say hi. I am going to get some pictures on my profile, but it seems to be a rather big undertaking - maybe soon. Tracey

Welcome Tracey, AKA pink dots. I have 2 daughters that both work at the Hospital. Small world isn't it? Believe it or not, I used to be kinda shy and timid too. Pre-surgery that is. The 1st meeting I went to I met the people I'd seen their pictures. WOW!!!! It was such a treat to meet them in person. I was soooooo welcomed by them. If you'd said you were "pink dots" to us, we'd have wrapped our arms around you and made you feel just as welcome. Usually right after the meeting we take pictures for anyone that might not have a digital camera. Most don't have many pre- op pics just cause we hate the camera. It is soooooo cool though to compare after. I usually bring my little album to show my journey. I also have some group pic's that show all our lose's. What a year we've all had. About making a decision regarding the lap band versus the bypass. Only you can make that decision with Dr.'s guidance. The more research you do to educate yourself the easier the decision will be. Coming to the meetings is helpful too because there is so much information given by PMRI and alot shared by everyone else. Next time just put Pink Dots on your name tag and walk up to me, Nicki, Tina, Rob, Debi or Ken and you'll be amazed at the unbelievable response you will get. Instead of being on the outside looking in, all of a sudden you are in the middle of a great group of folks that have everything to share with you too. There is another Tracey, that also works at Christiana Hospital, that has had the lap band. She works out at the same gym as I do. If you'd like to email her I can hook you up. She usually goes to the meetings at night at the church in Newport. Her Mom, Terri, had the bypass. So she can kinda give you both sides of the coin. Okay Ms Dot, til the next time. ((HUGS)) Elissa

Hello Pink Dots, I totally understand how you feel. If I did not know Nicki, I would be the same as you, in and out of that meeting. I know Nicki from Dr. Irgau's office and have been talking to her and my first support meeting she introduced me to everyone. They are a very nice group of people. I will have gastric bypass done on Tues. 1/25. Believe me the more you get to know them the better it is because they have already been through everything we are getting ready to go through. As far as lap band and bypass, it is totally up to that person. No one will judge if you choose to do something we did not. Nice to meet you. hope to talk to you again. Christie